Click above for high-res live shots of the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe
Sporting a specific output of 130 horsepower-per-liter, the turbocharged, direct-injected Ecotec four-cylinder from GM that's featured in the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline and SS versions of the Chevy HHR and Cobalt, is already one heck of an accomplishment. But wait... there's more -- power that is. According to Motor Trend, shortly after the Solstice Coupe goes on sale next year, the blown-Ecotec could make 300 horsepower or more, putting it in close competition with performance stalwarts such as Nissan's Z. What's more, the same engine should also be available in the convertible versions of both the Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline as well, paired only with a five-speed manual tranny in all applications.
This is just a rumor at this point, but MT seems pretty confident in its validity, citing higher intercooled boost along with a new fuel rail as the tech behind the power increase. The rumor does not mention if the higher-output mill will appear in other applications, though we remember something about the Camaro possibly getting a turbo-four mill as an option, and a tuner-friendly option offering 300 galloping horsies in stock form would make for a very interesting option in the pony car.
[Source: Motor Trend via eGMCarTech]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Nick Vrana @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:35PM
Makes sense, one of the biggest rumors floating around is the next gen Corvette is going to be based around the same platform. Smaller overall with a similar hp/lb as the current gen.
Mr. Oak @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:36PM
Ha! Ha!! Saw this car at the NY auto show. pure sex on wheels. Now this news has me pitching a tent all over again.
SilverAero @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:37PM
Do it, Do it. Wait a minute, would this render the 3.6L DI useless.
oldraven @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:52PM
I don't think it will make the 3.6 useless. They'll still have very different characteristics that appeal to different buyers. I don't think many CTS buyers would appreciate the feel of an engine that you have to wind out to make big power.
vintage @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:38PM
Camaro+ turbo 4 cylinder= WIN. Do it GM. It is the way of the future. Let Chrysler continue to make retarded judgements like the new Challenger with it's abysmal MPG ratings.
John R @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:42PM
say hello to the firebird
Mr. Oak @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:44PM
The resusitation of Pontiac is in full stride. Dear MX-5 fading fast in my mirrors... How you like me now?
TMC @ Apr 3rd 2008 4:08PM
That is hilarious.
Do you really think the GXP/Redline compete head to head with any MX-5? I like both cars, but come on - the price points are markedly different.
Base GXP = 28k (+adm)
Base MX-5 = 20k (no adm)
Call me whenever Mazda decides to release the next Mazdaspeed MX-5. We can then appropriately hash out the magazine racing argument.
R @ Apr 3rd 2008 4:57PM
Fading fast away in a straightline maybe. I'm hoping they improve the handling on this version, because it looks like the original had much to desire in that department. Please don't just up the horses and call it a day, some of the domestics seem to be doing that lately.
R @ Apr 3rd 2008 5:09PM
Hmm, interesting, looks like you can actually get a Club Sport Package for the Solstice that improves on the regular BS greatly. I'll have to look into that more. The guy in your Lime Rock link had it.
mk @ Apr 3rd 2008 10:12PM
If this has anything to do with Mazda, maybe it will be a kick in the tookus to build a Miata-based turbo coupe.
Kabura with glass roof and a 2.5 DISI turbo, 6-speed and limited slip differential, please. And keep the 3+1 seating and fastback hatchback.
THEN we can talk about Mazda competing. It is befuddling that Mazda doesn't have a 2 or 3 door coupe in it's entire zoom-zoom, soul-of-a-sports-car lineup. The RX8 comes close, but is almost closer to a small sport sedan than a compact sport coupe.
Mazda could build a killer with better fit and finish, and better handling quality than Solstice, and they have the chassis, suspension, and even the engine, and the capability... they just need to actually do it.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Apr 4th 2008 3:53AM
Why do you compare the non-base (GXP) Solstice to the base MX-5? Are you trying to make a mismatch?
Mr. Oak @ Apr 4th 2008 10:03AM
All: I provided you with a link to SCCA Showroom Stock.
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/sema/112_2006_sema_show/2007_pontiac_solstice_club_sport_z0k_and_pontiac_solstice_gxp-r.html
The standard 170hp Solstice whips the MX-5 consistently on the track.
The MX-5 may be a more civilized ride. At the track however, the Solstice chews on the MX-5. Yes, that is a track with both left and right turns. All this does, is takes the performance to the next level.
This is not very different from when Supras and 300ZX turbos were thought of as being in the same class as the 'vette. Now is there even a question?
Now to address the yahoos who think that every American car is a Buick, get a clue, don't be stupid all of your lives. The Cobalt SS, Solstice, Corvette and CTS-V. Will equal and in some cases destroy their respective competeition on most road courses.
Hell, I've seen solid axle Mustangs destroy RX-8s and 997s on road courses.
tgcg @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:44PM
Hopefully in addition to extra horsepower comes added refinement. Soltice's twin - the Sky(http://goodcarbadcar.blogspot.com/2007/10/saturn-sky-driven.html) - feels like its coming apart by the second set of railroad tracks. Sporting cars need refinement, not just horsepower. And at the price this gorgeous Solstice coupe will command, there are cars that possess some measure of perceived quality.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:46PM
Blown comes from "blower", a name for a mechanically-driven supercharger.
This car is turbocharged. Thus it isn't blown.
C.D. Ward @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:53PM
If you want to get technical a turbo is a type of supercharger.
Menice @ Apr 3rd 2008 3:06PM
ok man, i gotta think about that. i know what your saying but
dictionary meaning
1.a device that produces a current of air .
2.a fan run by an electric motor
(the best 1.... a person of thing that blows)
wouldnt the impellers on a turbo be considered a blower?
havoc @ Apr 3rd 2008 3:42PM
blower' is just a term. turbo charger is a turbine driven
supercharger, a centrifugal blower would be the equivalent of the compressor side of a 'turbo' driven off the crank instead of the exhaust. HKS made a compressor based centrifugal blower so that the housing and impellar could be changed out with common (popular) turbo compressors.
typically what we all think of as a 'blower' is a positive
displacement air pump, usually based on the roots-type blower that we all see on dragsters. there have been many other examples of positive displacement 'blowers' but in general we DO use the term 'blower' in reference to crank driven compressors.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Apr 3rd 2008 4:14PM
I'm with what havoc said.
Personally, I'm a purist. The only thing I call a blower is a positive-displacement mechanically-connected supercharger. Some even restrict it to a Roots-type (non-compressing) unit. But as I said in my post above, any mechanically-connected supercharger (even one with an impeller) is usually considered a blower.
A turbocharger is not mechanically-connected and is technically a supercharger but is not a blower.
That doesn't mean it doesn't go well. I am glad to see GM taking this step. I really want to see this motor in the Camaro too. I know a lot of Camaro fans associate them with V8s. And that is why I think making a turbocharged I4 would be so interesting. It may not be well accepted in the marketplace, but if you're using an existing motor, you'll sell a few and make a small profit. And in a few years or decades, they'll be a specialty item that garners a lot of attention. Maybe sooner if people start tuning them and putting them on the drag strip.
Mr. Oak @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:47PM
No, this tells me that there are quite a few more ponies locked up in that 3.6 DI. A Twin Turbo version @ 450+ hp would be badass.